The Pontiflex CPL Blog

An article in the Wall Street Journal today points out how Silicon Valley is taking a hit in the economic downturn. This goes beyond how companies are having to cope with the slackening demand – it also has to do with the funding of new companies.  Benchmark Capital advises its portfolio companies to be “calm but pragmatic” and says that the “rules of the game have changed.” The article also points to layoffs and hiring freezes by big organizations – including HP, Microsoft and eBay.

We have all heard many stories of how different sectors of the economy are affected negatively by the recession. These are too many to number and for a day leading into the weekend, not the best inducers of positive feelings, which we can all do with for at least just a little bit.

I wondered if there were any upsides to a tough economy. Here’s what I found (or could think of):

1. Alice Thomson writes in the Times about some positive aspects to the recesssion. People drink less, drive less, cook at home more and generally take better care of themselves.

Photo credit: Joe Gatling

2. The education sector thrives in a recession. More people invest in higher education. Younger people stay in school for a longer period of time, sharpening their skill sets for a global economy.

3. In the online advertising industry, areas that deliver higher ROI do well during a recession. The last time around in 2001-2002, we saw the emergence of search. This time, transparent CPL advertising seems to be getting a boost.

Any other sectors that you can think of that might be positively impacted during a recession?